User Reviews

I've used thomson elite posts on all of my bikes since 1998. I picked up a masterpiece because it was a good deal (picked one up for the price of an elite).

aesthetics: from a few feet away it is hard to tell any difference between the two. upon closer inspection one can appreciate the extra machining on the masterpiece. it really makes the elite look unfinished.

for the weight weenies: total weight actually came in a few grams less than claimed. the weight difference between the clamp assemblies is only 3 grams. the difference between the actual posts is 38g. complete masterpiece 41g less than complete elite (27.2 x 330mm).

geek out: one of the best things about thomson is they are very specific in their instructions regarding installation. i.e., grease only the threads, not the bolt or washer. torque requirements in BOLD, etc. I do wish they would have torque information printed on the clamps like they do on their stems and seat collars.

riding: can't "feel" a difference between masterpiece and elite. and if I did I would be skeptical of data like that subjective and unfree from bias.

conclusion: elite slightly better value but masterpiece if you can get a good deal on one. at this level diminishing returns.

Weaknesses: This may be less a weakness and more user error. But I believe that the area which sits at the seatpost clamp within the seat tube has actually been slightly deformed frmo over tightening the seatpost clamp (also thomson). Perhaps it is only the Thomson seatpost clamp which can damage the Masterpiece? Otherwise indestructible.

Strengths: Strong. I don't want to worry about it and this fits the bill.
Light. Not silly light, mind you. Again, no worries.
Well made. Bike came with a single bolt Race-Face that I yanked real quick and replaced with this. Did I say that I did not want to worry about the seatpost?
It's icing that it is so easy to adjust, with the proven two bolt design, and beautiful machining.

Weaknesses: I won't rag on the price. You get what you pay for with this post. Sorry, can't find a weakness.

Bottom Line:

Buy it, sit down and don't worry 'bout it. Let the weight weenies deal with the lighter posts and their issues. This is light enough, comes in many sizes and lengths, is beautiful in its simple functional design and will keep the seat where it needs to be. If price is an issue, get the Elite; it weighs a little more but has the same build design and quality.

I bought the straight post and after using it I realized I needed a setback One call to Thompson and they replaced it with the setback. This is a stand up company that makes a great product. I wanna buy more bikes just to buy more of their stems and post. They never look old or used and stay in place.

Strengths: Great looking, lightweight, slip resistant, micro adjustable, and very well made.

Weaknesses: None so far.

Bottom Line:

I had a straight Masterpiece on my '07 Blur XC and loved it. My recently purchased Enduro SL PRO CARBON came stock with a Thomson Elite setback post. It was very good, but I opted for the Masterpiece. I'm not overly tough on seatposts, especially with 6" travel. No regrets.

This is the Chris King of seatposts. It's not that expensive relative to the other carbon posts out there. This seatpost is strong, light, and holds the saddle in place well. What more can you ask for? This is the best seatpost money can buy, period.

Let me join the chorus; this is a stong, light seatpost that has my complete confidence. I use it on a hardtail, and have not had one single problem with it since day one. No slips, no creaks, no nothing.

Strengths: Light as carbon, but 10x as strong; ribbed post prevents sliding and slippage; machined from a single piece of 7000 series aluminum; set-and-forget adjustment; looks stunning, in silver

Weaknesses: None.....not even price.

Bottom Line:

Strong like bull, and the last seatpost your bike will ever need. Thomson also makes landing gears, for jet airliners- talk about SAFE! From now on- I buy my frames to fit the seatpost. Get one if you can afford it!!!